Fruit Basket

ABSTRACT

An improved basket system may include a handle component, where the handle component has at least two panels. Each panel may have a plurality of ear features. And the system may further include a box component, where the handle component is coupled to the box component by the plurality of ear features. The box component may have side walls, where each side wall includes a pair of panels folded over each other for engaging an ear feature of the handle component. The system may also have ports disposed within the box component. One of the ports may be positioned within a floor portion of the box component. One of the ports may be positioned within a side wall of the box component. And each of the ports may have a substantially rectangular geometry. The handle component may also have an arch geometry.

BACKGROUND

Prior art solutions for carrying and displaying fresh fruit, such as peaches or strawberries, are constructed from woven strips of thin wood. Though sturdy, prior art solutions are labor intensive to construct, expensive to ship, and difficult to brand.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a sturdy, yet inexpensive fruit basket that may be constructed by folding flat corrugated material. Further, there is a need in the art for a fruit basket suitable for custom branding, such as by printing of a logo on one or more of its surfaces.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of an improved fruit basket according to the solution are disclosed. Certain embodiments may be constructed from a corrugated material, such as a wax-coated cardboard, although it is envisioned that embodiments of the solution may be constructed from any material that can be die-cut or otherwise converted into a foldable template.

An improved basket system may include a handle component, where the handle component has at least two panels. Each panel may have a plurality of ear features. And the system may further include a box component, where the handle component is coupled to the box component by the plurality of ear features. The box component may have side walls, where each side wall includes a pair of panels folded over each other for engaging an ear feature of the handle component.

The system may also have ports disposed within the box component. One or more of the ports may be positioned within a floor portion of the box component. One or more of the ports may be positioned within a side wall of the box component. And, each one or more of the ports may have a substantially rectangular geometry. The handle component may also have an arch geometry such that it is positioned between a side of the handle component and a floor portion of the box component.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as “102A” or “102B”, the letter character designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same figure. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral to encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, perspective view of an improved fruit basket according one exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side, perspective view of the improved fruit basket according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary top view of the improved fruit basket according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side, tilted bottom perspective view of the improved fruit basket according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the handle component which usually has three panels which are folded together for the finished product;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled handle component according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top, perspective view of an assembled handle component according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates another top, magnified, perspective view of an assembled handle component;

FIG. 9 illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the box component which usually has several panels folded together to form the walls;

FIG. 10 illustrates the box component in a partially assembled state according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component;

FIG. 18 illustrates a fully assembled view of the inventive basket system where the system is supporting a payload of objects; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the several handle components which may be manufactured together efficiently.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive, preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

Various exemplary embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a system and method for constructing a fruit basket from flat templates of a perforable and foldable material such as, but not limited to, a wax-coated corrugated cardboard. Advantageously, because embodiments of the solution are constructed from flat components made of corrugated cardboard (or similar material) that has been die-cut, perforated and/or creased according to templates, the components may be inexpensively and efficiently shipped in their flat forms before being folded and integrated together on-site to form an improved fruit basket. Additionally, and advantageously over prior art solutions, because embodiments of the solution are constructed from corrugated cardboard (or similarly suitable material), they may be suitable for display of printed material, including, but not limited to, artwork, logos, branding, etc. Also, due to the novel design and construction of embodiments of the solution, a fruit basket according to the solution may be particularly robust with significant structural rigidity suitable for carrying a relatively heavy payload.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved fruit basket 100 according to the solution. As can be understood from FIG. 1, the exemplary fruit basket 100 may be constructed from a corrugated cardboard material. However, other materials are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other materials could include wood, metal, composites, corrugated plastic sheets, plastic sheets, etc.

The exemplary fruit basket 100 may be formed from two components: a box component 102 and a handle component 104, both of which may be folded from perforated and/or creased flat templates. The box component 102, formed from folded corrugated cardboard material, has a bottom 110, two elongated side walls 106 a, 106 b, and two end walls 106 c, 106 d. The side walls 106 a, 106 b and end walls 106 c, 106 d collectively define an open top, as can be understood from the illustration. The handle component 104, formed from folded corrugated cardboard material, is configured to span between the side walls 106 a, 106 b of the box component 102 and, advantageously, define an open space 108 beneath the handle component 104 and above the bottom 110 of the box component. In this way, a payload of fruit carried (not visible in FIG. 1, but see FIG. 18] by the fruit basket 100 may reside beneath the handle component 104. Moreover, the scope of the solution is not limited to configurations that include the handle component 104 spanning from side wall 106 a to side wall 106 b, as it is envisioned that certain embodiments may be configured such that handle component 104 spans from end wall 106 c to end wall 106 d.

Returning to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each side wall 106 may also provide one or more air-vents/fluid discharge ports 112. Specifically, the first side wall 106 a may provide a first pair of air-vents/fluid discharge ports 112 a, 112 b. Meanwhile, the second sidewall 106 b, may provide a second pair of air-vents/fluid discharge ports 112 d. It is noted that the bottom 110 of the box component 110 may further provide a portion of each port 112. That is, for each of the four ports 112 illustrated in FIG. 1, the bottom 110 may have a groove/portion removed that forms part of one of the four ports of FIG. 1.

Each port 112 may support an air-flow function by permitting air to flow in and/or out of the volume contained by the box component 102. Similarly, each port 112 may also support a fluid discharge function by allowing any fluids contained within the box component 102 to exit or drain from the box component 102.

Exemplary fluids that may be discharged from each port 112 may include, but are not limited to, water used to wash a payload or juices/discharges from payloads such a fruit that may be compressed and/or fermenting/decomposing. According to one exemplary embodiment, each port 112 may have a rectangular geometrical shape. However, other shapes for the ports 112 are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other shapes include, but are not limited to, square, oval, circular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates an exemplary side, perspective view of the improved fruit basket 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. In this figure, printed materials 116 a, 116 b have been placed on one end wall 106 c and one side wall 106 b, respectively. The printed material 116 may comprise a label but other printed materials are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other printed materials include ink, artwork, branding, and trademarks. In addition to or in the alternative to printed materials, the walls 106 may also support engravings or “sticker” labels that contain artwork, branding, and/or trademarks.

FIG. 2 also shows again the open space 108 that may exist between a bottom portion of the handle component 104 and the bottom 110 of the box component 102. As noted previously, the open space 108 permits payload, such as fruit, to stay under/reside under the handle component 104. Also illustrated in FIG. 2, is an aperture 114 within the handle component 104. The aperture 114 may be advantageously sized to permit fingers of a user to penetrate therethrough and to grasp a top portion of the handle component 104.

Referring now to FIG. 3, this figure illustrates an exemplary top view of the improved fruit basket 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As noted previously, the improved fruit basket 100 comprises a box component 102 and a handle component 104. The box component 102 further comprises two elongated side walls 106 a, 106 b and two shorter end walls 106 c, 106 d (shorter relative to the elongated side walls 106 a, 106 b).

While the box component 102 as illustrated in the several figures has a rectangular shape, other shapes for the box component are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other shapes include square shapes where each side 106 is equal in at least one of length and height.

Referring now to FIG. 4, this figure illustrates an exemplary side, tilted bottom perspective view of the improved fruit basket 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. Tab receptacles 133 in the bottom 110 of the box component 102 are visible in this FIG. 4. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of box construction, tabs at the ends of the inner side wall panels and the inner end wall panels may be received into the tab receptacles 133 of the bottom 110 and, thereby, secure the walls 106. In the FIG. 4 illustration, the following eight tab receptacles are visible in bottom 110 of box component 110: 133 a, 133 b, 133 c, 133 d, 133 e, 133 f, 133 g, and 133 h. The inventive fruit basket is not limited to the number or geometry of tab receptacles 133 illustrated, fewer or additional tab receptacles of any geometry deemed advantageous for a given application may be provided within the fruit basket 100 as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As will become better understood from the subsequent figures, the box component side walls (and end walls, for that matter) are each comprised of an outer panel and an inner panel(s) to form a double wall. The handle component may be received into grooves defined by cut-out features of inner panels of the box component side walls such that the handle component is fixed in place to define open space 108; the ear features of the handle component are received by, and reside between, the inner and outer panels of the box component side walls. Moreover, the handle component may be fixedly positioned relative to the side walls and above the bottom of the box component by virtue of the aforementioned grooves defined by cut-out features in the box component side walls.

Referring now to FIG. 5, this figure illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the handle 104 component which usually has three panels 515 which are folded together for the finished product. The first panel 515A has a first arch 501A and a first aperture 114A. The first panel 515A further includes a first ear feature 505 a and a second ear feature 505 b.

The second panel 515B has a second arch 501B and a second aperture 114B. The second panel 515B further includes a third ear feature 505 c and a fourth ear feature 505 d. Meanwhile, a third panel 515C has a third arch 501C and a third aperture 114C, but this third panel 515C does not have any ear features according to this exemplary embodiment. Each of the apertures 114 may have substantially the same geometrical shape. The shape may comprise a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners at each of the four corners. However, other geometries are possible for the apertures 114 and are included within the scope of this disclosure.

The four ear features 505 a-505 d help with securing/coupling the handle component 104 to the box component 102 as described above and which will be explained in further detail below. FIG. 5 further illustrates exemplary dimensions for the handle component 104. Other dimensions larger or smaller, as well as ratios of dimensions larger or smaller, than these exemplary dimensions and ratios are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure.

The exemplary dimensions listed in FIG. 5 are as follows: dimension H1=about seventeen and three-sixth inches; dimension H2=about five and three-sixteenth; dimension H3=about one-fourth of an inch; dimension H4=about five and eleven-sixteenths; dimension H5=about five and nine-sixteenths; dimension Wh1=about fourteen and three-eighth inches; dimension Wh2=about two and one-half inches; dimension Wh3=about two and one-half inches; and dimension Wh4=about nine and three-eighth inches.

Referring now to FIG. 6, this figure illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled handle component 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in this FIG. 6, the third panel 515C is folded into parallel with the second panel 515B. This means that third aperture 114C of third panel 515C aligns with the second aperture 114B of the second panel 515B. Once the second and third panels 515B, 515C are folded upon one another such that the apertures 114B, 114C are juxtaposed and aligned, then those two aligned panels 515B, 515C are together folded into parallel with first panel 515A, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 7, this figure illustrates a top, perspective view of an assembled handle component 104 that is not coupled to the box component 102 (not visible in this figure). As noted above in connection with FIG. 6, the first, second, and third panels 515A, 515B, 515C are folded together, such that the third panel 515C is sandwiched between the first panel 515A and second panel 515B. A narrow connector panel 520 that couples first panel 515A to second panel 515B extends over third panel 515C when the handle component 104 is in an assembled state, as shown in the FIG. 7 illustration. The ear features 505 a-505 d are then aligned with each other, such that the first ear feature 505 a of first panel 515A aligns with the third ear feature 505 c of the second panel 515B. Similarly, the second ear feature 505 b of the first panel 515A aligns with the fourth ear feature 505 d of the second panel 515B.

Referring now to FIG. 8, this figure illustrates another top, magnified, perspective view of an assembled handle component 104 that is not coupled to the box component 102 (not visible in this figure). According to this view, the third panel 515C sandwiched between the first panel 515A and second panel 515 is more visible compared to FIG. 7. According to this view and exemplary embodiment, the ear features 505 a-505 d have been rotated as shown by the four directional arrows relative to the straight position of the ear features 505 a-505 d illustrated in FIG. 7, such that the handle component 104 may be coupled to the box component 102 (not visible in this figure) by using the ear features 505 a-505 d.

Referring now to FIG. 9, this figure illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the box component 102 which usually has several panels folded together to form the walls 106. That is, each wall 106 may comprise a plurality of panels as will be described below and shown in some of the later figures described below. The plurality of panels that comprise a wall 106 work to generally define a double walled wall (i.e., an inner wall and an outer wall). Specifically, side wall 106 a of FIG. 1 having a length dimension L10 may comprise five panels 106 a 1, 106 a 2, 106 a 3, 106 a 4, and 106 a 5 which are folded together to form the side wall 106 a illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the finished product. Panel 106 a 1 defines the outer wall of side wall 106 a and panels 106 a 2 and 106 a 3 define the inner wall of side wall 106 a. Panels 106 a 4 and 106 a 5 reside in a space defined between the outer and inner walls of side wall 106 a, as do the ears 505 a and 505 c of handle component 104, as will be better understood from a review of figures to follow. Similarly, the side wall 106 b of FIG. 1 which also has the length dimension L10 may comprise five panels 106 b 1, 106 b 2, 106 b 3, 106 b 4, and 106 b 5 which are folded together to form the wall 106 b illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the finished product. Panels 106 b 4 and 106 b 5, along with handle component 104 ears 505 b and 505 d, reside in a space defined between the inner and outer walls of wall 106 b (outer wall defined by 106 b 1 and inner wall defined by panels 106 b 2 and 106 b 3).

And similarly, the end wall 106 c of FIG. 1 which has a width dimension W10 may comprise two panels 106 c 1 and 106 c 2 that are folded together. And the end wall 106 d of FIG. 1 which also has the width dimension W10 may also comprise two panels 106 d 1 and 106 d 2 which are folded together. In this way, end walls 106 c and 106 d are double walled (outer walls of end walls 106 c and 106 d defined, respectively, by panels 106 c 1 and 106 d 1 and inner walls of end walls 106 c and 106 d defined, respectively, by panels 106 c 2 and 106 d 2). The sequence of how the various panels shown in the FIG. 9 illustration are folded together to form a box component 102 will be described in more detail below in connection with the later figures. For brevity, only one side walls 106 a or 106 b or only one end walls 106 c or 106 d will be described where one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sides which mirror one another are formed in a similar manner.

FIG. 9 further illustrates exemplary dimensions for the box component 102. Other dimensions larger or smaller, as well as ratios of dimensions larger or smaller, than these exemplary dimensions and ratios are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure.

The exemplary dimensions listed in FIG. 9 are as follows: dimension L1=about forty seven and seventh-eighth inches; dimensions L2=L3=about three-sixteenth of an inch; dimensions L4=L7=about seven and three-sixteenth inches; dimensions L5=L6=about one-fourth of an inch; dimensions L8=L10=about seven and one-quarter inches; dimension L9=about eighteen and one-eighth inches; dimension W1=about 39 and three-eighth inches; dimensions W2=W3=about three-sixteenths of an inch; dimensions W4=W5=about seven and three-sixteenth inches; dimensions W6=W7=about one quarter of an inch; dimensions W8=W9=about seven and one-quarter inches; and dimension W10=about 9 and five-eighth inches.

Further details of the ports 112 and tab receptacles 133 are shown in FIG. 9. Ports 112 may be formed by at least two panels. Only first port 112 a will be described here. However, the other ports 112-112 b, 112 c, and 112 d may also be formed like first port 112 a. First port 112 a may comprise portions 112 a 1, 112 a 2, and 112 a 3 in three surfaces.

Specifically, first port 112 a may be formed by a first port portion 112 a 1 present in panel 106 a 4. Second portion 112 a 2 of the first port 112 a may be formed within two surfaces: within panel 106 a 1 and within bottom portion 110 as shown in FIG. 9. That is, three sides of the second portion 112 a 2 may be present within panel 106 a 1 and one side of the second portion 112 a 2 may be present within the bottom portion 110. And the third portion 112 a 3 of the first port 112 a, may be formed in panel 106 a 2. When panels 106 a 4, 106 a 2, and 106 a 1 are folded together, the three portions 112 a 1, 112 a 2, 112 a 3 align with each other to form the single first port 112 a.

As noted previously, ports 112, when box component 102 is an assembled state, may support an air-flow function by permitting air to flow in and/or out of the volume contained by the box component 102. Similarly, each port 112 may also support a fluid discharge function by allowing any fluids contained within the box component 102 to exit or leave the box component 102.

Turning now to the tab receptacles 133 shown in the FIG. 9 illustration, only the function of tab receptacles 133 c and 133 d will be described here. However, the function of the remaining tab receptacles 133 a, 133 b, 133 e, 133 f, 133 g and 133 h are consistent with that which will be described relative to receptacles 133 c and 133 d and, as such, will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art reviewing this description in view of the figures. Notably, panel 106 d 2, which forms the inner wall of wall 106 d, comprises two tabs 134 c and 134 d. Advantageously, when panels 106 d 2 and 106 d 1 are folded together to form double walled wall 106 d, the tabs 134 c and 134 d are received, respectively, by tab receptacles 133 c and 133 d, thereby securing the planar juxtaposition of panels 106 d 2 and 106 d 1 to define end wall 106 d. Notably, although not labeled in the FIG. 9 or elsewhere, it will be understood that the various tab receptacles 133 are configured to receive certain tabs of panels 106.

Referring now to FIG. 10, this figure illustrates the box component 102 in a partially assembled state according to one exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 10, panels 106 b 4 and 106 a 4 have been moved to a position that is about ninety degrees relative to the bottom portion 110. Panel 106 a 4 is now in a location that is in front of panel 106 a 1 (as described above, panel 106 a 1 forms the outer wall of side wall 106 a).

Though not visible in FIG. 10, panel 106 c 1 (not shown in FIG. 10, but see FIG. 9) has also been moved into a position which is about ninety degrees relative to the bottom portion 110. Panel 106 c 2, which is visible in FIG. 10, has been folded over and into parallel juxtaposition with panel 106 c 1 relative to the positions shown in FIG. 9. Panel 106 a 2 is in a position which will allow it to be folded over panel 106 a 4 and a portion of panel 106 a 1. In this way, and consistent with that which has been described above, panel 106 a 2 will form part of the inner wall of wall 106 a. Tabs on 106 a 2 (not shown in FIG. 10, but see FIG. 9) may be received into tab receptacles 133 on bottom surface 110. Panel 106 a 2 has a cut-out section 1005 a that forms a supporting ledge 1010 a that will support handle 104 once ear features 505 of the handle component 104 are inserted into the space defined between the inner and outer walls of wall 106 a (not shown in FIG. 10).

Referring now to FIG. 11, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 11, panel 106 a 2, relative to its prior position shown in FIG. 10, has been folded over a portion of panel 106 a 1 such that an end of panel 106 a 2 now is coupled to the bottom portion 110 via tabs and tab receptacles (as previously described). Next, ear feature 505 b of the handle component 104 is positioned between the panel 106 a 2 and panel 106 a 1 and adjacent to the cut-out section 1005 a.

Referring now to FIG. 12, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 11. In this view, handle component 104 has moved up and away from floor portion 110 and towards cut-out section 1005 a as shown by directional arrow A. The ear feature 505 b has also moved towards cut-out section 1005 a shown by directional arrow B.

Referring now to FIG. 13, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 12. In this view, the ear feature 505 b (not visible now in FIG. 13) has also moved towards and is positioned flush against cut-out section 1005 a such that handle component 104 rests on top of ledge 1010 a, as shown by directional arrow B. With the handle component 104 in this position, the ear features 505 are sandwiched between the inner and outer walls of wall 106 a such that a lifting force applied to handle 104 will be distributed to the ear features 505 and applied to the folded junction that forms the top edge of the respective side walls 106.

Returning to the figures, and referring now to FIG. 14, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 13. In this view, the other side of the handle component 104 is now brought into focus relative to FIG. 13. In this view, second ear feature 505 d is ready to be covered/held in place by and between panels 106 a 3 and 106 a 1 (see FIG. 15). It is noted panel 106 a 3, unlike panel 106 a 2, does not have a cut-out section 1005 a as panel 106 a 3, when folded over to form its portion of the inner wall of wall 106 a, mates along the edge of the handle component 104 to secure its position on ledge 1010 a and prevent handle component 104 from sliding off of ledge 1010 a.

Referring now to FIG. 15, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 14. In this view, compared to FIG. 14, the panel 106 a 3 has been folded over panel 106 a 1 (not visible in FIG. 15, but see FIG. 14). Panel 106 a 3 is positioned so that an end portion contacts a bottom edge of the floor portion 110 of the box component 102. Tabs associated with panel 106 a 3 are received into tab receptacles associated with bottom floor 110 in order to secure the position of panel 106 a 3 as a portion of the inner wall of side wall 106 a.

Referring now to FIG. 16, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 15. In this view, compared to FIG. 15, the panel 106 a 3 has been completely folded over panel 106 a 1 (not visible in FIG. 15, but see FIG. 14). Similarly, panel 106 a 2 is visible and was previously folded over panel 106 a 1 (not visible in FIG. 16, but see FIG. 14). Panels 106 a 2 and 106 a 3 collectively form the inner wall of the side wall 106 a while panel 106 a 1 (not seen in the FIG. 16 illustration) forms the outer wall of side wall 106 a. Cut-out section 1005 a, which defines handle supporting ledge 1010 a, of panel 106 a 2 is visible in this view. The other ear features 505 b, 505 c visible in this FIG. 16 are positioned within and between panels 106 b 1, 106 b 2, and 106 b 3 in a similar manner compared to ear features 505 a, 505 d as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 17, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104. In this view, additional panels 106 b 1, 106 b 2, 106 b 3, 106 b 4, and 106 b 5 are now visible. A second cut-out section 1005 b present in panel 106 b 3 is also now visible and defines a second handle supporting ledge 1010 b. Panels 106 b 4 and 106 b 5 may now be pushed-in towards floor portion 110; panel 106 b 1 may now be positioned at about a ninety-degree angle relative to the floor portion 110 (i.e., substantially perpendicular to floor 110). Once panel 106 b 1 is at about a ninety-degree angle with the floor portion 110, panels 106 b 2 and 106 b 3 may be folded over panel 106 b 1 such that the second cut-out section 1005 b is aligned with ear-feature 505 c of handle component 104, similar to what was described previously for the other side of the box component 102. Panel 106 b 1 will form the outer wall of wall 106 b, while panels 106 b 2 and 106 b 3 will form respective portions of the inner wall of wall 106 b, consistent with that which has been previously described. Tabs (not shown in the FIG. 17 illustration) on the panels 106 b 2 and 106 b 3 may be received into complementary tab receptacles in floor 110 in order to fix the position of the panels, consistent with that which has been previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 18, this figure illustrates a fully assembled view of the inventive basket system 100 where the system 100 is supporting a payload of objects 1800. The system 100 has the box component 102 and the handle component 104 as described previously.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the objects may comprise fruit, such as, but limited apples, oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, melons, etc. However, other food stuffs or payload objects are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Further, the objects 1800 are not limited to food and they can include any type of object that may be available for sale and/or available for transport. For example, instead of food, the basket system 100 may carry tennis balls, baseballs, and other type of objects which may be loose and difficult to contain or hold without a box component 102.

Referring now to FIG. 19, this figure illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the several handle components 104 which may be manufactured together efficiently. According to this exemplary embodiment, two rows of three handle components 104 a, 104 b, 104 c may be manufactured efficiently. The template may have an exemplary width dimension Ww1 of about twenty-eight and three-quarter inches, and a height dimension Hh1 of about fifty-one and nine-sixteenths inches. However, other dimensions are possible as well as the number of handle components 104 which may be positioned in each row and in each column as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

Therefore, although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved basket system comprising: a handle component, the handle component comprising at least two panels, each panel comprising a plurality of ear features; and a box component, the handle component being coupled to the box component by the plurality of ear features.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the box component comprises side walls, each side wall comprising a pair of panels folded over each other for engaging an ear feature of the handle component.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising ports disposed within the box component.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein one of the ports is positioned within a floor portion of the box component.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein one of the ports is positioned within a side wall of the box component.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein each of the ports comprises a substantially rectangular geometry.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle component comprises an arch geometry that is positioned between a side of the handle component and a floor portion of the box component.
 8. An improved basket system comprising: a handle component, the handle component comprising at least two panels, each panel comprising a plurality of ear features, each ear feature comprising a polygonal shaped portion; and a box component, the handle component being coupled to the box component by the plurality of ear features, the box component further comprising ports.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the box component comprises side walls, each side wall comprising a pair of panels folded over each other for engaging an ear feature of the handle component.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the polygonal shaped portion comprises a substantially rectangular geometry.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the ports is positioned within a floor portion of the box component.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein one of the ports is positioned within a side wall of the box component.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein each of the ports comprises a substantially rectangular geometry.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the handle component comprises an arch geometry that is positioned between a side of the handle component and a floor portion of the box component.
 15. An improved basket system comprising: a handle component, the handle component comprising at least two panels, each panel comprising a plurality of ear features; and a box component, the handle component being coupled to the box component by the plurality of ear features, wherein the handle component comprises an arch geometry that is positioned between a side of the handle component and a floor portion of the box component, each panel of the handle component comprising the arch geometry.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the box component comprises side walls, each side wall comprising a pair of panels folded over each other for engaging an ear feature of the handle component.
 17. The system of claim 15, further comprising ports disposed within the box component.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein one of the ports is positioned within a floor portion of the box component.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein one of the ports is positioned within a side wall of the box component.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the ports comprises a substantially rectangular geometry. 